Abstract: A bifurcated catheter includes a first catheter branch having a first distal portion and a second catheter branch having a second distal portion. The first and second distal portions are releasably linked together for delivery to a bifurcated region of a body vessel. Upon delivery to the bifurcated region, the first and second distal portions are released from each other such that the first and second catheter branches may be tracked into first and second vessel branches, respectively.

Abstract: A catheter device selectively provides additional support to a guidewire for aiding the guidewire in crossing a narrowing in a body lumen. The catheter device includes an elongate outer tubular member having a tapered distal end. An elongate guidewire gripping member is slidably disposed within the outer tubular member. The guidewire gripping member has a lumen for slidably receiving the guidewire and a distal end having a plurality of longitudinal fingers. When the guidewire gripping member is advanced distally against the tapered distal end of the outer tubular member, a the fingers of the guidewire gripping member are forced to engage with the guidewire to thereby prevent movement of the guidewire relative to the catheter device. The catheter device may include a steering mechanism for steering the combined catheter device and guidewire component to an optimum starting point for crossing the lesion.

Abstract: A delivery system for a stent to a bifurcated region includes an elongated shaft with first and second branches extending from the elongated shaft. First and second branches have first and second balloons mounted thereon, respectively. A first guidewire extends the entire length of the delivery system and into the first branch for an “over-the-wire” configuration. A second guidewire extends into the second branch, but enters the elongated shaft near a distal end thereof for a “rapid-exchange” configuration. A guideway is formed in the elongated shaft and extends into the first guidewire lumen. The guideway may be forced open by a guide member slidably coupled to the elongated shaft, thereby adjusting the effective over-the-wire length of the first guidewire.

Abstract: A bifurcated catheter includes a first catheter branch having a first distal portion and a second catheter branch having a second distal portion. The first and second distal portions are linked together for delivery to the bifurcated region. Upon delivery to the bifurcated region, the first and second distal portions are released from each other such that the first and second catheter branches may be tracked into first and second vessel branches, respectively.

Abstract: A catheter device selectively provides additional support to a guidewire for aiding the guidewire in crossing a narrowing in a body lumen. The catheter device includes an elongate outer tubular member having a tapered distal end. An elongate guidewire gripping member is slidably disposed within the outer tubular member. The guidewire gripping member has a lumen for slidably receiving the guidewire and a distal end having a plurality of longitudinal fingers. When the guidewire gripping member is advanced distally against the tapered distal end of the outer tubular member, a the fingers of the guidewire gripping member are forced to engage with the guidewire to thereby prevent movement of the guidewire relative to the catheter device. The catheter device may include a steering mechanism for steering the combined catheter device and guidewire component to an optinum starting point for crossing the lesion.

Abstract: A rapid exchange catheter includes an exchange joint that is coupled between a proximal shaft and first and second distal shafts. The exchange joint includes a proximal end that is configured to be coupled to the proximal shaft, and a distal end that is configured to be coupled to the first distal shaft and the second distal shaft. The distal end includes a first portion that includes a first guidewire lumen, and a second portion that includes a second guidewire lumen. The exchange joint also includes a guidewire port that is configured to provide access for a first guidewire into the first distal inner lumen via the first guidewire lumen and a second guidewire into the second distal inner lumen via the second guidewire lumen.

Abstract: A catheter that has a proximal portion, a transition portion, a distal portion, and a guide member. The guide member is slideably coupled to the proximal portion and provides access to a guidewire lumen within the catheter through a guideway that extends from an outer surface of the proximal portion to the guidewire lumen. The distal portion may include a branch lumen that exits the catheter through the wall of the distal portion so that a guidewire may be guided through a particularly tortuous vessel.

Abstract: A stent-delivery catheter includes a balloon having an intermediate body, tapered end portions and at least one circumferential groove adjacent a transition between the intermediate body and a tapered end portion. While the balloon is deflated, the groove allows the tapered end portion of the balloon to function as a dam to retain a stent on the balloon. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The present invention provides a defect patch device and method that patches a defect in the heart or other cardiovascular tissue. One aspect provides a PFO closure device and method that patches a PFO in the right atrium without the device extending through the PFO into the left atrium. The patch device includes a patch and a heart tissue engaging member for attaching the device over the defect. A deployment device and method includes a device positioner to advance the device out of a catheter and to position the device over the defect to attach the device to the tissue around the defect. The positioner may include a device expander or opener that opens the device for deployment.

Abstract: The present invention is a catheter having an elongated tubular member having a proximal and a distal end. A balloon is positioned at the distal end of the tubular member. A guidewire tubular member extends from a position proximal the balloon through the balloon to a position distal the balloon, the guidewire tubular member has a proximal segment having a first flexibility and a distal segment having a second flexibility. The distal segment is more flexible than the proximal segment. A bond joins the balloon distal end to the proximal segment and the distal segment.

Abstract: A stent-delivery catheter includes a balloon having an intermediate body, tapered end portions and at least one circumferential groove adjacent a transition between the intermediate body and a tapered end portion. While the balloon is deflated, the groove allows the tapered end portion of the balloon to function as a dam to retain a stent on the balloon. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The present invention is a catheter having an elongated tubular member having a proximal and a distal end. A balloon is positioned at the distal end of the tubular member. A guidewire tubular member extends from a position proximal the balloon through the balloon to a position distal the balloon, the guidewire tubular member has a proximal segment having a first flexibility and a distal segment having a second flexibility. The distal segment is more flexible than the proximal segment. A bond joins the balloon distal end to the proximal segment and the distal segment.